Pavilion adds rooms for play

Visual Arts building offers activity options for ArtsPark visitors.

December 30, 2007|By Nick Sortal Staff Writer

Hollywood — It's called a Visual Arts Pavilion, but it's not just about looking.

There's plenty for people to do.

The two-story, 10,200-square-foot building on the east portion of the Hollywood ArtsPark opened to the public earlier this month. It's the final piece of the 10-acre ArtsPark at Young Circle, at Federal Highway and Hollywood Boulevard.

ArtsPark program manager Michael Wharton has booked yoga, Pilates, Latin dance, tai chi, acting, art and portfolio classes on the top floor of the pavilion. The bottom floor has a wall for art exhibits. In an adjoining wing are areas for the public to take classes in metal working, visual arts and even glass blowing, which already has attracted several prospective students, he said. Classes begin in January.

"I think it's something people might have seen on the Discovery Channel, but they haven't seen it live," he said.

There also are special events, such as an outdoor trapeze class tentatively set for January.

But this is only a starting point, Wharton said. During the city's grand opening party Dec. 7-9, he gathered residents' input on what classes they might like.

"The public came through and they told us what they liked, didn't like and what they wanted to see," he said.

Among the classes he'll add: a fitness boot camp, likely to be held outdoors.

"Something I never would have thought of for this area," he said.

Also gaining interest: couples dancing, such as ballroom and salsa. Wharton said he thinks the interest might have been sparked by the TV show Dancing With the Stars.

"People see it, and they want to do it," he said.

When the pavilion isn't busy with classes, the public can rent a room for events such as birthday parties and wedding receptions, he said. Rates start at $100 per hour; the city set them after surveying similar facilities and set a figure near the mid-point, Wharton said. The city delayed reserving special events for the public until the building had a certificate of occupancy.

Wharton said the pavilion is meant to be just one facet of the ArtsPark, which opened its outdoor portion in March. Outside, the city holds international movie night once a month on a huge inflatable screen and, near the playground this summer, instructors provided free courses for children, such as family fitness and arts and crafts.

Wharton said activities the pavilion will have are still "fluid" and will depend on the public interest.

He said he enjoys balancing the varied requests, although "we already have enough ideas to fill up two of these buildings."

Hired as the ArtsPark program manager earlier this year, Wharton is far removed from the contentious discussion over the cost of the $30 million park.

"I see the ArtsPark as a place where you can come play, learn and also experience art," he said.

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Hollywood Arts Park Pavillion

Where: 1 Young Circle, Hollywood

Information: 954-921-3500 or www.artsparkatyoungcircle.org

Nick Sortal can be reached at nsortal@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7906.